Staten Islanders reminisce about their former mayor Ed Koch

"I thought he was a good mayor. He didn't have too much scandal and his crime rate was low. He could definitely be a little showy and whatnot, but that was just part of his style."

-- Larry Jeronimo, Oakwood

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Joseph Pasquariello

"He always had something to say and he was not afraid to say it. He was a real New Yorker that way, and he worked for the people."

-- Joseph Pasquariello, Oakwood

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Ron Torchio

"I thought he was a good mayor. I worked everyday in construction when he was mayor, and that's because of the good job he did. I had nothing but work." 

-- Ron Torchio, Annadale

Bernice Pipito

"New York City was really in a decline when he became mayor, and he really changed that all around. From what I remember, he was a good mayor."

-- Bernice Pipito, New Springville

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Cee Cee Swain

"I thought he was just a cool guy. He was honest. I just liked to listen to him talk because he really addressed the situations. He was a mayor for the people. When someone listens to someone else who's down and out on their luck, I think that's a good thing. It's a sad loss."

-- Cee Cee Swain, Rossville

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Christy Chapman

"He was the best mayor in the whole world because before he became mayor police would see minorities and stop them for no reason. When he became mayor he stopped that. He told them that their job was to arrest the bad guys, not minorities. He was a good man."

-- Christy Chapman, Clifton

Lee Bridge

"I loved him. I was really upset this morning when I heard he died. I liked the fact that he used to say, 'If you don't like what I'm doing, don't vote for me the next time.' He didn't seem to answer to anyone. He walked on his own particular track. I thought he was a great mayor because of that."